Well, it is now the Day After the annual release/Media Big Bash for Nerf. Starting in 2009 with the release of the Nerf Stampede, myself and a number of other U.S. bloggers are lucky enough to be invited to this event.

PIC HEAVY UPDATE AFTER THE BREAK:

Members of the Hasbro/Nerf design team and marketing chain of command are on hand for us to discuss/inquire about the products on display as well as some elements of the design process. It is s usually pretty eye opening affair, and this year was pretty fantastic as well.

The focus this year was a “Bash at the Beach” themed event where some major releases such as the Nerf N- Strike Elite Mega Centurion, Nerf N- Strike Elite Rapidstrike, Nerf Vortex Revonix 360, the Nerf Rebelle Heartbreaker Bow, Nerf Rebelle Guardian Crossbow, and Nerf Cybershot Hoop were alll on hand to play and get a first-hand feel for them. Also a prime moment to give some feedback before the blasters go into full production if necessary.

ALL THE NERF BLASTERS.

Super Soakers and the Nerf Firevision Disc Flyer

The Nerf Sweet Revenge blaster with the holster attached. Sadly, not up for demonstration.

The crown jewel of all the blasters for me over the evening was the Nerf Rapidstrike. It definitely felt lighter and overall more maneuverable than the Nerf Stampede. It fired faster and found it very easy to either do 3 round bursts or rock and roll at full auto. Dual wielding did not feel cumbersome either, so I am definitely looking forward to getting these on the field. It had the clear 18 round magazines and an adjustable stock. There’s also a flip-up iron sight, multiple tac rails, and a good amount of sling points.

The Nerf Rapidstrike – yes, it’s awesome.Fall 2013, $39.99 THE ORANGE MAGS WERE ONLY THERE FOR DEMO PURPOSES. THE RELEASE OF THE RAPIDSTRIKE WILL HAVE FULLY CLEAR MAGAZINES.

One interesting bit: there was some kind of thin rubber piece leading into the barrel and flywheels. I do not believe I have seen this before, so I am intrigued what it purpose it serves. Guide? Stabilizer? I have to check my Stampede to be sure.

Nerf Vortex’s Revonix 360 was on-hand, and while I have to wait to see the full range (the target walls were maybe up to 40′ away) the blaster is just crying for a stock on it. The on-the-fly reload is pretty awesome and smooth. What you give up for 10 shots (the Vortex Pyragon drum has 40) you gain in mobility by not having to carry extra magazines with you. The slam fire was a bit herky-jerky but there are still some tweaks to make between now and this Fall. Still though, I loved the Pyragon so I’m wondering how the full production model of this will be (and I feel it will be FANTASTIC.)

I forget who photobombed me. Nerf Vortex Revonix 360Fall 2013, $39.99

The Nerf Rebelle blasters had the Guardian Crossbow and Heartbreaker bow next. Functionally, they didn’t feel much different from New York Toy Fair, but the pink was a much deeper hue on these. I will admit, the Guardian feels pretty comfortable, and my niece should get a kick out of them when they’re out. Some interesting notes on the Rebelle:

– A LOT of research went into the development. More than some people on the team had ever seen before.

– There’s a woman who worked on the blaster designs as well, so I wouldn’t say that it’s just men thinking what girls want.

– Rebelle is a long-term investment, this is no trial, it’s in for a penny, in for a pound with this line.

– One of the bits of commentary from tests groups was, they wanted pink, but only as an accent color or trim, not the majority of the blaster.

– The Sneak Attackers were a favorite of the initial test groups, due to compactness and relative power.

– Their test groups (girls) found a better experience at trying to develop skill in using the bow (form, pulling the string back, aiming, etc.) more than the outright shooting targets aspect, which might be why the Heartbreaker Bow is the big item in this line.

– Sadly, the Sweet Revenge (pistol) could not be demonstrated. It was zip-tied down and still in box. The focus was on the Guardian and Heartbreaker (the big ticket end of the release)

– Should start popping up around the 1st week of September, hopefully earlier.

In case you don’t like the pink of the Heartbreaker, have a different version!

A familiar face, the Rebelle spokesperson still hard at work!

The Nerf Mega Centurion was there as well, but my review of that is already HERE:

The most info I did get was about the incoming app(s):There will be TWO separate ones, one for Nerf Rebelle and the other for the Nerf N-Strike Elite blasters. I’ll have to make a follow up inquiry to see if there’s any interaction between the two apps. Functionally, they will be similar.

The App Cradle

With the app, players can (at least for now):

Record & Share video

Add to social media

Send media to friends

Learn how to play CTF, last man standing, etc.

Rangefinder

HUD

They recognized all the duct tape magic going on out there mounting cameras, so they finally decided to provide a product (and no, the EPPS was not there. Basic Nerf brought one, but that’s the only one there.) Also, Droid fans… don’t worry. They’re working on it but just want to get it right.

Word has it the N-Force and Nerf Dart Tag lines are currently not the focus of the team, so nothing new to report on that front right now (thanks, AFON)

We couldn’t really get a lot of answers about stuff NOT on the show floor (though AFON got some info on the Elite Spectre, go check!) and that makes sense to focus on the here and now. If you’re in the woods, you’re worried about the bear 2′ away, not the bear that’s on the next mountain. So, let’s embrace the 2013 bear for what it is, and I’ll be back to revisit these blasters once they hit shelves.

And let’s not forget about Click Click BAMF who has now made 2 shows, and Shining Foam in his rookie year (along with Basic Nerf) at this event. Nice putting faces to the pages, always. Class acts from these guys this year, and hopefully get to see them again at the next event!

That’s about all I can think of for now… if I find I forgot anything I’ll update the post later. Until then, I still have plenty of more reviews to do, so check in later this week! Thanks all for traveling with me, keep on Nerfin’!